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Followup: No serious injuries in weekend Roxbury/Olson crash

(Sunday morning photo courtesy Jason)
Since information was scant when we checked out the Roxbury/Olson one-car crash early Sunday (original report here), leaving multiple questions unanswered, we just followed up with media liaisons for Seattle Police and Fire. Police do believe the driver fled the scene, through a window; the three people found in the car were in the front-passenger and rear seats. All are described by Seattle Fire as men in their late teens/early 20s; though they were taken to the hospital, none had serious injuries. The report also notes that while police tried to talk with them at the hospital to find out more about the crash and the apparent hit-run driver, none would respond. The ownership of the crashed red Lexus wasn’t clear, either; the report says the person on record as its registered owner had sold it to “a presumed auto dealer” a month ago. It was totaled, and impounded; other damage involved the shrubbery into which the car crashed – the officer writing the report noted, “It appears as if the vehicle was traveling in a northeasterly direction on Olson Place when it drove up over the curb and struck a tree on (a) planting strip. The car continued across the sidewalk, where it struck the shrubbery in (a) front yard.”

I’m confused by this story. So the kids/passengers are collectively taking the 5th? They know who the driver was who broke the law by leaving the scene of an accident. Doesn’t their “no comment” make them an accessory to a crime? Can’t they be charged themselves for obstruction? This whole thing smacks of either a stolen car, racing or even gang activity. Where is the parent influence? Man, this little accident and report is just a microcosm of what is wrong with our country. Rant over.

Police can’t force them to talk, especially while in hospital. Being in pain and maybe under pain medication, their forced testimony would easily be thrown out by any competent lawyer as having been given under duress or while under the influence of narcotics and thus not reliable. Twice as bad if any of them are juveniles. Better to deal with things in court if they have to.

Remember that comedian who set fire to himself while free-basing and who freely admitted it when questioned? That got tossed in about five seconds since he was in pain and on drugs and thus not able to willingly consent to waive his right to silence.

Later, they can be subpoenaed and compelled to testify in open court (up to a point) or for a Grand Jury.

I don’t like it either but it prevents abuse: “Kid, you aren’t going to get medical treatment or pain medication until you answer a few questions to my satisfaction.”

In addition to the very slimy perpetrators, please note that the very slimy road surface is never addressed. Bus grease? Bad asphalt mix? I travel that road daily and have witnessed two accidents myself, right there. I have seen many motorcycles driving the speed limit nearly lose control, right there. Our very own and very fabulous WSB is full of accident coverage in that exact same spot. I am weary of commenting on this to police waving folks around the accidents or to WSB. Careless driving aside, the road surface is a BIG HUGE FACTOR.

So will there be a follow up by the police at least? The people in the car should be held accountable then if they don’t want to talk. Did the police report if the car reported stolen since it was sold to a dealership last month? Who’s going to be held responsible for the damage to the person’s property, if any?